Sunderland avenged last month’s defeat to Blackpool at the Stadium of Light by beating the Seasiders 2-1 in their own backyard thanks to two first-half goals from Kieran Richardson.
Sunderland opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Richardson was put through by Asamoah Gyan and slotted past his Ghana team-mate Richard Kingson who was advancing out of the Blackpool goal.
Moments later, Gyan also raced clear of the Blackpool defence but an out-of-position Kingson recovered well to make the tackle on the edge of his box.
Blackpool created few chances until just before the half-hour mark when Craig Gordon was forced to make two fine saves.
The first was from Luke Varney who spurned a golden chance when he went through one-on-one with the keeper.
Then Gordon turned Charlie Adams’s vicious shot over the crossbar.
Blackpool’s pressure was undone by Richardson’s second goal in the 36th minute. This time the decisive pass came from Steed Malbranque and Richardson kept a cool head to slot past the keeper once more.
Just before half-time Gordon made another superb save, tipping over an Adam shot again, this time from a free-kick.
Despite their best efforts Blackpool struggled to find a way back into the game, although substitute Marlon Harewood went close when he sent a shot inches wide of the post.
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Then in the 86th minute Ian Holloway’s side were awarded a penalty, which Adam converted to set up a frantic finish to the game.
Blackpool pressured the visitors and Gordon was forced into another good save to ensure his side were victorious.
The result keeps Sunderland challenging for a European place, while Blackpool remain mid-table.
Five-time world champions Brazil will take to the field in 2011 wearing a Nike shirt made from recycled plastic bottles.
The yellow, green, blue and white colours of the Brazil national strip were made famous throughout the world by the exploits of Pele and his teammates at the 1970 World Cup.
And kit manufacturers Nike have now released a new take on the iconic shirt – one that will allow the players to do their bit for the environment while representing their country.
“These shirts were developed and manufactured with threads from recycled plastic bottles,” Nike Marketing Director Thiago Pinto said.
“The shirt’s cloth maintains its technologic characteristics, being able to ease the sweat evaporation and preserve its lightness and shape.”
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“For each jersey, around eight plastic bottles are eliminated from the environment. Therefore, each time a Brazilian player walks into a field, we are sure that he has the best technology to improve his performance and also that he is working for sustainability, as he removes these dangerous elements from nature.”
Arsenal’s six-year wait to win a trophy continues after Birmingham City’s Obafemi Martins scored an 89th minute winner at Wembley on Sunday.Martins late clincher came from a defensive blunder between Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and centre-half Laurent Koscielny.The match was billed as the moment when Arsenal would finally be able to celebrate for the first time since lifting the FA Cup in 2005. But instead underdogs Birmingham clinched a dramatic victory to win the club’s first trophy since 1963 and deny Arsene Wenger’s side yet again.Former Newcastle striker Martins sent Birmingham fans home delirious with his late winner. He celebrated with a series of somersaults. Arsenal, without injured captain Cesc Fabregas and winger Theo Walcott, dominated much of the second half and created a string of chances – with Birmingham keeper Ben Foster named man of the match.But Birmingham can say they deserved to lift the trophy after a battling display.Nikola Zigic headed them in front on 28 minutes before Robin van Persie equalised with a fine volley, set by Andriy Arshavin, following a superb Arsenal breakway moveArsenal then forced Foster into some fine saves, notably from Samir Nasri, but Fahey also hit the post for Birmingham.All Arsenal’s work was undone when Szczesny spilled Zigic’s knockdown after Koscielny’s mis-kick and Martins had a simple task to tap the ball home with a minute left.
Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt remains optimistic about signing a new contract at Anfield.
The 30-year-old Dutchman has one year left on his current deal at the Premier League club, but revealed that negotiations over potential extension have already begun.
“My contract has one more season to go after this but there are things happening,” Kuyt said.
“We have had some talks and I can only say it looks positive. I feel at home in Liverpool and I don’t want to leave here.”
Earlier this month Kuyt called for current caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish to be installed as permanent Liverpool boss, and the 2010 World Cup finalist clearly sees a brighter future for the club under the Scotsman’s control.
“It has been a difficult time for everyone at the club with the changes that have happened since last summer but now I can sense something good is happening – I think Liverpool are on the way back,” he said.
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Kuyt joined Liverpool from Dutch club Feyenoord in the summer of 2006 and has scored 40 goals in 163 Premier League appearances since making his nine-million-pound move.
Watching the FA Cup Quarter-Final tie between Manchester United and Arsenal on Saturday, I am sure I heard the Arsenal fans singing the “We’ve got Cesc Fabregas” song at one stage of the game, which left me in disbelief as to why the loyal Arsenal fans even wanted to mention the player’s name after his performance in their Champions League defeat at the Nou Camp.
My opinion wasn’t acknowledged by my Spurs supporting mate who I watched the game with but having watched the Champions League tie with an Arsenal fan, I know he would’ve been livid and I am sure a few other Gooners were too despite the actions of those in attendance.
Fabregas’ performance for Arsenal at the Nou Camp was wrong on so many levels, even I felt rather disgruntled despite not being a fan of the club. However, I do admire Arsene Wenger and what he has achieved at the club since he arrived in 1996, although his blame of the Referee being his main reason why they lost the tie, I am starting to wonder if the club needs a shake-up if they are going to rid this trophyless streak off their backs.
This isn’t an article doubting Fabregas’ ability as a midfield player, he is technically gifted and one of the best passers in the Premier League by far but it’s his ability as a captain that irks me – especially in as crucial game as last Tuesday night.
Although, I wonder what would’ve happened if the Arsenal team had a Captain like Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira or Kenny Sansom in the team. It wasn’t until after the game that I saw the highlights of both teams lining up in the players tunnel before the game in which Fabregas left leading the line of his team to embrace members of the Barcelona team, players he knows well from the Spanish squad and his time in the Barcelona youth team.
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I take into account that Cesc has a history at the Nou Camp and the likes of former captains would’ve had no affiliation with the opposition but if they did, they would’ve left any friendly embraces until after the game and would’ve been focused on the tough task ahead.
What message did it send to his team mates in the line seeing their leader and captain, laughing and joking with the opposition before doing battle on the pitch? A captain needs to set an example to the rest of the team and although Cesc is one of, if not the best player in the Arsenal team, it does not necessarily make him captain material.
In the past, fellow Arsenal team mate Denilson spoke honestly about Fabregas lacking leadership qualities and that is what is missing from the team being a more complete side. In the game itself, Cesc did not look fit and according to the Spanish press, he admitted to them that he was injured after 15 minutes. That was no excuse for his mistake, a backheel outside his own half in a crowd of congested players, which gave Barcelona the ball back and of course Lionel Messi went onto score.
Perhaps Fabregas wanted to prove to the Barcelona players and fans that he can do what the likes of Xavi and Iniesta do week in week out, but that certainly wasn’t the way to go about it. However, since the game, Fabregas’ father has come out with a comment that his son felt so helpless after the defeat that he wanted to “shoot himself.”
There is no doubt that Fabregas cares for the club but perhaps the burden of being Arsenal captain is too much for him and manager Arsene Wenger should look to give the armband to someone who has the correct leadership qualities.
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Wenger’s successful team from the Nineties had leaders and so did the ‘Invincible’ team and while the current Arsenal squad have matured, maturity alone does not make leaders, it requires a certain personality type that former Gunners captains had in abundance.
If you want to hear more of what I have got to say on Arsenal then Tweet me @verbal_football
Former Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has had a six-month ban for confronting doping officials before the FIFA World Cup overturned.Queiroz, 58, was banned by the Portuguese Anti-Doping Authority in August after an incident with anti-drug testing officials at a national team training session in May 2010.
He was sacked from the Portugal job in September, one week after receiving the ban.
The former Real Madrid head coach and Manchester United assistant was deemed to have deliberately obstructed the working of doping officials.
But on Wednesday the Court of Arbitration for Sport cleared Queiroz of intentional disruption, but did reprimand him for his actions.
“There was no evidence that his behaviour was intended to disturb the doping control,” the CAS said in a statement.
“After their arrival, the anti-doping officers were approached by Mr Queiroz.”
“Following a discussion, the anti-doping officers left to continue the anti-doping control and, as he was walking away Mr Queiroz uttered some very distasteful and sexually descriptive comments regarding the mother of the ADoP president.”
The ruling added that Queiroz ‘did not dispute the fact that his comments were both inappropriate and offensive’.
Under Queiroz, Portugal exited the 2010 World Cup in the round of 16 at the hands of eventual champions Spain.
The team then made a disappointing start to their Euro 2012 Championship qualification campaign.
Queiroz has been unemployed since his dismissal by the Portuguese Football Federation.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has admitted he is devastated captain Steven Gerrard is out for the season.The inspirational England midfielder had surgery on a groin problem in March and was returning to fitness but suffered a setback in training last week.
Liverpool will have to cope without the 30-year-old when they host Manchester City in the English Premier League on Monday.
Dalglish said: ?We know he will not be involved again this season.”
?We still don?t know exactly what the problem is.”
?It?s a blow for the players but we just have to get on with it.”
?With respect to our injured squad members, the most important ones are those who are fit because they are the ones who can be chosen.”
?We just have to get on with it and maybe this can test the resolve of our players. We will not be feeling sorry for ourselves because we have some players missing.”
?That is the position we are in and it is up to us to make the best of it. This football club is better than sixth place but you can only prove that on the pitch.”
?We have to prove we deserve to be higher in the Premier League.?
Despite the massive setback, Dalglish remained upbeat about the remainder of the season.
?Somebody?s misfortune can always turn into another person?s opportunity,” he said.
?Some players will be closer to the first team than they would have been otherwise.?
Monday?s opponents Manchester City are three places above Liverpool and occupying one of the Champions League qualification spots.
They have a FA Cup semi-final coming up next Saturday and Dalglish hinted they might already have one eye on that game.
He said: ?It will be a difficult test; Man City are going for a Champions League spot.”
?Next week they have a tough semi-final against Manchester United in the FA Cup and they will have half an eye on that because it is a massive game for them.”
?I am sure a Champions League spot is important for them but I think a trophy will be most important for them. If they can get that, I think they would say this season has been successful.”
?Sometimes when you see a trophy your concentration lapses a bit.?
As well as Gerrard, Liverpool will be without defenders Glen Johnson (hamstring), Daniel Agger (knee) and midfielder Jonjo Shelvey (knee).
Javier Mascherano has called on Barcelona and Real Madrid to forgo the ‘theatrics’ when they meet in the Champions League on Wednesday.The lead-up to Wednesday’s ‘El Clasico’ semi-final first leg at the San Bernabeu has been marred by a war of words between Barca boss Pep Guardiola and Real counterpart Jose Mourinho.
Mind-game master Mourinho has been trying to get under Guardiola’s skin all season and was at it again following Real’s win over Barca in the Copa del Rey final, chiding the Barca boss for being a constant critic of referees.
The normally reserved Guardiola unleashed an astonishing outburst in response, sarcastically describing Mourinho as the ‘f—— chief’ and saying the Portuguese manager had won ‘his own personal Champions League’ off the pitch.
The ongoing row will no doubt have the Bernabeu at fever pitch by kick-off on Wednesday evening, but one man is hoping football takes precedence over the mind games – Barca midfielder Mascherano.
“I want a clean game without theatrics. What we like most is to play good football. That is what Barcelona do,” the former Liverpool man said.
“I think that the most important thing for us happens on the pitch, and we will see how it ends. Obviously we want a good game that everyone can enjoy.”
It’s getting closer isn’t it? Summer is in the air, bees and wasps (can’t stand them, more annoying than trying to decipher a Steven Gerrard interview) are starting to appear, that summer holiday is getting ever closer, and the transfer market is looming ominously, just over the horizon.
It’s that time of year when all things are possible (if only in journalists minds), when dreamers dare to dream, and the rumours have already begun. United are linked with hundreds of players every summer, but rarely are the media stories accurate. Last summer? Over 100 players linked with moves to United. How many signed? None.
It seems certain, however, that United will enter the market this summer, and strengthen in some pretty major areas, with Edwin Van der Sar hanging up his gloves and Paul Scholes (in all probability) hanging his boots on the next peg along. So where will United strengthen? And who will they sign? Here I’ll attempt to separate fact and fiction and hopefully provide a window into the summer ahead.
Goalkeeper
It seems almost certain United will sign a goalkeeper this summer, with the decorated Dutchman hanging up his gloves. So who are the candidates in this key position, and will Sir Alex learn from his mistakes when attempting to replace The Great Dane.
David De Gea
A goalkeeper of commanding presence, De Gea (nicknamed Van de Gea for his similar stature to Van der Sar) has already accrued experience under pressure in Atletico’s Europa League triumph last season, as well as facing Messi, Ronaldo, Villa and (last season) Silva in La Liga. Arguably one of the brightest young prospects around and is certain to become Spain’s first choice between the sticks.
Potential Price: £20m
Manuel Neuer
Neuer, older than De Gea at 24, has been linked with United for even longer than De Gea. Forced into Germany’s World Cup starting XI due to the death of Robert Enke and Rene Adler’s injury, Neuer was a key figure in Germany’s march to the semi-finals and has also been key in Schalke’s progression to a Champions League semi-final against United.
Potential Price: £15m
Pepe Reina
This would certainly be controversial wouldn’t it? Liverpool’s first class Spanish stopper, idolised by the Kop, moving to United. If his nationality was anything other than Spanish, Reina would be first choice for his country, but is held back by the excellent Iker Casillas. A keeper with excellent reactions and a tendency to frustrate penalty takers with his agility.
Potential Price: £25m
Verdict: For me it has to be De Gea due to his youth and potential to be United’s first-choice keeper for 20 years (or more). De Gea would provide a calmness and assurance and is certainly not inexperienced, despite his youth.
Central midfield
United’s central midfield has been the focus of much criticism from fans and pundits alike this season, accused of a lack of creativity, a problem which will only become worse if Paul Scholes were to retire in the summer.
Wesley Sneijder
Inter Milan’s world class attacking midfielder was at the centre of both their treble triumph of 09/10 and the Netherlands march to the World Cup final, where they were defeated by Spain. A class midfield operator (many would argue the best in the world), Sneijder pulls the strings, often from a position just behind the striker. May be a gamble as unproven in Premier League.
Potential Price: £35-40m
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Luka Modric
The man many United fans crave to replace the Ginger Prince, Modric, originally considered too lightweight when he arrived in England, is calm, composed, able to find space and pick a pass, as well as pop up with the odd goal, albeit only two this season in the Premier League. His passing range is excellent, although, like Sneijder, he seems to need the insurance of a purely defensive minded player alongside him in CM.
Potential Price: £30-35m
Charlie Adam
He had to pop up somewhere. A man who’s been a bone of contention on Twitter for weeks, as arguments rage between me an everyone else (it seems) concerning his merits as a future United player. The Blackpool captain has a superb passing range, capable of splitting a defence with a subtle ball or pinging 60 yard crossfield passes. Also provides a massive threat on free-kicks (something lacking at United right now), is a clinical penalty-kick taker and provides leadership and drive from the centre of the park.
Potential Price: £8-10m
Jack Rodwell
The young prospect on this list is player with great potential, a man who can play at centre-back and in defensive midfield, central midfield or attacking midfield. Unclear what his best position is, but some believe he has the potential to become another Roy Keane for United.
Potential Price: £15-25m
Verdict: I know there’ll be some stick for this but I feel that with United’s potential outlay probably standing at £20m or more on a goalkeeper alone if De Gea joins, we simply won’t be able to afford an outlay of up to £40m on Sneijder or £35m on Modric (Redknapp actually said he wanted £50m for Modric a few weeks ago). Therefore I’d sign both Adam and Rodwell from this list, adding another £23m to the £20m for De Gea.
Winger
A winger may well be a luxury rather than a necessity this summer, with Giggs, Valencia, Nani and Park already on the books but adding depth may well be useful given that, at times this season, players such as Fletcher, Hargreaves and Bebe have been pressed into service on the flanks.
Ashley Young
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An exciting winger who can also play through the middle behind the striker, Ashley Young will only have a year left on his contract this summer and, with Giggs now at the age of 37, United will need a replacement soon.
Potential Price: £15m
Alexis Sanchez
Has set Serie A alight this season, firing in goal after goal for Udinese, as well as impressing for Chile at the World Cup. Was likened by Sir Alex to a young Cristiano Ronaldo.
Potential Price: £25-35m
Gareth Bale
The exciting young Welshman was recently voted Footballer of the Year by his fellow professionals and has been likened to a young Ryan Giggs.
Potential Price: £30m
Verdict: A winger is probably not essential, although if perhaps just one CM was signed, Young may also follow behind.
Signings: De Gea, Adam, Rodwell/Young
Total Outlay: £43 million
Even if Young were to be signed instead of Rodwell, is would not affect the total outlay of the club, which would still be £43m. I also wouldn’t rule out a striker being signed for £10-15m, making this a summer similar to 07/08.
Potential departures:
Van der Sar (Retired)
Scholes (Retired)
Owen (Free)
Kuzczak (£4m)
Diouf (£2m)
Berbatov (£15m)
If these departures occurred, United would recoup £21m in fees, making net spend £22m.
Please note, this is just my opinion about what may happen based on simple logic about the players who will retire (and therefore areas which need to be strengthened), but guessing what SAF will do is very difficult. The signings I suggested (De Gea, Adam, Rodwell/Young) would add immeasurable depth to United’s squad and provide potential for variation tactically, providing SAF with options. Feel free to disagree (as I’m sure many of you will), and leave comments below.Read more of Josh’s articles at the excellent Red Flag Flying High[bet_365 type=’odds’ size=’300′ af_code=’365_050711′]
There was euphoria in the red half of Merseyside this January when Liverpool owners, Fenway Sports Group, announced the appointment of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish as manager for the remainder of the season. As a player, the Scot won three European Cups with the Reds and he was the last manager to lead Liverpool to the title. Since he returned to his beloved Liverpool, Dalglish has transformed a struggling side into one which is currently oozing confidence. It’s no coincidence that Liverpool’s change in fortunes has coincided with the appointment of the Kop idol. A win against Tottenham this weekend will guarantee European football on Merseyside, a prospect which seemed a million miles away at Christmas time.
Many sceptics would have initially viewed Dalglish’s appointment as a sentimental move by Liverpool’s new owner John Henry and one that had the potential to tarnish Dalglish’s reputation. Others will have taken the viewpoint that, no matter what would have unfolded this season, Dalglish wouldn’t be culpable and his god like status would have stayed intact at Anfield. However the move to bring back King Kenny has proved to be a stroke of genius from Henry. The American owner instantly gained the support of all those Liverpool fans who were calling for Dalglish’s appointment. Was the appointment a risk? Potentially yes, as Dalglish hadn’t managed in the Premier League since 1998, where he had a forgetful stint in charge of Newcastle. This posed the question if he would be up to the task of managing again, especially considering how much football has changed since his last tenure in the dugout.
I think the question has been soundly answered so far. Dalglish’s very presence in the dressing room has lifted players who, under Roy Hodgson, were disillusioned and languid. His introduction of youth players and the quality signings he made in the January window, albeit aided by Damien Comolli, have propelled Liverpool up the league. At sixty years old, stepping back into the pressures of football management will have come as a shock to many people outside of Liverpool. Some said a manager of his age will be out of touch with the requirements of a manager in today’s game, others said going back to Liverpool for a second time would a mistake. How wrong those assumptions have been.
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What Kenny has done for the club since January is nothing short of miraculous and it has gone some way to dispelling the myth, that he wouldn’t have what it takes to manage in the modern era. He has also disproven suggestions that managers should never go back to a former club. In the case of Kevin Keegan who returned to manage Newcastle in 2008, going back proved to be a huge mistake. However Dalglish’s return to Liverpool has been a complete contrast to Keegan’s, although, having to work with Mike Ashley may have something to do with that.
Returning to the helm as Liverpool manager is something Dalglish probably never thought would happen again, but when the club came calling in its hour of need there was only ever going to be one answer from King Kenny. Dalglish has proved that returning to the club where he had so much success as a player and manager has been the right decision. Surely the next logical step is rewarding him with a permanent contract for the astounding job he has done?
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